Summer at SJB

Dear Friends in Christ,

Our summer cleaning is over and school begins tomorrow. The summer has been a slower season, but we have had some interesting summer activities which I’ll describe for you. In spite of our limited resources we were able to afford some small improvements. We removed some old plants and added some new flowers and shrubs around the rectory and in the rectory garden. Irrigation lines were repaired, trees were trimmed, and the school has a new tree in the yard. A new landscape company is caring for the church and school grounds.

There have been some important spiritual activities this summer too. Our new evangelization team goes out on Saturday afternoons to visit homes in our neighborhood. I accompanied them on a recent Saturday and blessed the home of a family. They are encouraging people to come to Sunday Mass, receive the Sacraments and become active in our parish. Please pray for them. Do you think God is calling you to this ministry? Please speak to me about this possibility.

The slower summer schedule has permitted me to do some extra reading. During July and August I am meeting with our permanent deacon candidate. We are studying together St. Augustine’s book On Christian Doctrine, which explains how to interpret the Bible. It has been a challenging but rewarding experience. St. Augustine is a great guide for understanding difficult Bible texts. If you are ready for a challenge you will find interesting insights into many Bible passages by reading this book.

Speaking of St. Augustine his feast is coming up this Saturday. He is an important saint for Norbertines because we follow his Rule in our communities. The Rule begins with a passage that could apply to all of us. “Let us love God above all things, dearest brothers, then our neighbor, for these are the chief commandments given to us.” There is a challenge that doesn’t require too much reflection. May the Lord help us to live this commandment day
by day.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Fr. Hildebrand